The Codes Rule #2

[Hikoto]

Heya guys.

With regards to the ambiguous codes rule, question is, what if someone who isn't aware of the rules makes some codes and sends to a fanlisting owner as donation? (Let's just admit it, majority of the fanlisting joiners =/= FL owners.) Of course, the donated codes are very much appreciated and one would definitely love to put them up....but uh-oh.

Can we still put them up? Or must we email them back informing them of this 'rule'? (Which is in my opinion, not a very nice thing to do since they've gone all out of the way to create the codes in the first place.)

I am not trying to challenge to network rules but I do think Shaza has some good points mentioned here. I am not sure if most members joining FLs would actually bother if the code was specific enough or not, since they're almost always looking for the one they like most. (: Also, if a fanlisting has non-ambiguous codes to boot, why not leave the remainder up on the site for those who prefer them?

Just some suggestions....^^'' What do you guys think?

PS. I would have posted this in the thread linked above but it's locked. =/

[Shalott]

Ina situation like that, I would accept the codes and make some changes to them (for example, if it was for a series fanlisting but the code showed one character with the word "fan" I would just write the series name on the code as well). Then, when I e-mailed the donator to thank them for the code I would mention the rule and the fact that I changed their donation slightly to comply.

If they aren't happy with you making the changes then you don't have to use the code. I think it is far better to comply with TAFL rules then to potentially be troubled over donated codes!  :frustrated:

[Kylara]

This has come up before--I can't remember where/when exactly or I'd point you to that thread.  But basically what was said is that you can and will be troubled for confusing codes, regardless if they were donated or not.  Shalott's idea is great though, if you'd still like to put up the codes :frustrated:

[Carolyn]

I like Shalott's idea too, but I think you should explain the situation to them before you go and change things. Like, if I donated codes not knowing that rule and someone changed them all without asking, I'd be pretty ticked off, but if they explained the rule to me and said that they could modify them so they could still be used, I would be fine with that.

[Genevieve]

Actually, changing them as Shalott mentioned is exactly what I did.  I have 5 50x50 codes on my Tezuka Osamu listing that were made for me, but all of them featured a character from one of his manga and just said 'fan' - so I simply added the word Tezuka to them.  It took about 10 minutes all together and I was able to use the otherwise very beautiful codes.

[Guan]

can the rules be a more specific? I mean it is a pretty new rule, and I think everyone has a very vague idea of what is really requested by TAFL. For example, I was asked a few weeks earlier about adding the the name of the mangaka to my kishimoto masashi fanlisting's code, I thought that as long as the code represents the subject, I was fine because I have the man himself on the code banner. but I was enlisted for trouble, so I had to add the mangaka's name. when I checked the forum topics a few weeks later, one of the staffers said that as long as the image represents the subject, names are not necessary.

If you guys could please specify that part of the rule, it'll be great. Because it's not really the little time taken to edit the code banners that frustrate people, to me it's really because a lot of my codes are made 1 or 2 years ago, and I can't exactly find the matching font/color/shade anymore to edit the code.

[Marie]

The rule isn't really new, at all, it's more of the specificity itself that's new. And even saying that, the rule was announced in April - almost 6 months ago. Though I definitely understand that people might still have questions about the rule. :wub:

I can't speak for other staffers, but I think the reason for troubles with Kishimoto's fanlisting might have been that rare instance where, even with an image of the subject, it's difficult to determine what it represents. Not everyone knows Kishimoto or what he looks like - they just know he's "the guy who draws Naruto" or whatever. Someone going through joined listings - as I do - might not recognize that the button is for Kishimoto's fanlisting; they might just think it's for a J-Rocker or a model or etc. :birthday:; But again, those are just my thoughts on it - you'd want to talk to Kel for the specifics.

But generally, it is true that, as long as the image represents the subject, and is clear, names are not necessary. For example, none of the Characters listings (not including Character groups) need names and are fine with 'FAN' on them.

[Guan]

well I don't feel like saying much about the mangaka, since I already edited everything, LOL. But I know I was freaking out when I got the trouble e-mail because I thought I would need to add names for the hundred something codes I have for all my character fanlistings. when I read over the rule written on the website, it could be easily interpreted as *the image should accurately reflect the subject and put the subject of your fanlisting on your code. but of course as explained on the forum, if the image accurately reflect the subject, the wording is not necessary. but when the rule is actually enforced, I'm sure there are variations in how the staffers carry this out because I think they too, have their own interpretation of the rule.

so I really hope the rule can be more specific... so when the trouble mail comes, (which usually doesn't specify what kind of code problem there is), I can look at the rule and say, okay, I need to put the subject on the code, or , okay, fanart is not permitted and such.

[Rosemary]

Guan, I'm not sure about the specific details of your recent troubles or if you contacted the staffer about it so won't try to answer that part of your question without additional details.  I believe the wording of the rule is quite clear the way it stands and numerous questions about it have been asked and answered in the senior staff forum already, but we will consider your suggestion.  If you ever have a specific question about any troubles email (which I believe was the case here) you can always reply to the email and ask the staffer who placed the fanlisting on troubles for more specific information.